Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10).

Things get a little heated in today’s reading. John goes head-to-head with the religious leaders of the time, the Sadducees and the Pharisees (two groups who did not see eye to eye on most things). It seems that due to curiosity, the religious leaders had come to see what this John the Baptist was up to. Little did they know that they would get a lesson on God’s wrath.

We encounter this wrath of God in the Old Testament, but not so much in the New Testament, although I would contend that it is in there. One place where we see it is on the cross. Jesus took on all our sin and, upon this, God’s wrath.

For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus (Romans 3:25-26).

In Lutheran theology, we understand God’s wrath as his holy, righteous opposition to sin. This comes from God’s perfect nature. When we think about wrath, we often think about anger, but this is not how God’s wrath works. Instead, it is a response to sin.

But here is the good news: you are covered by Jesus’ sacrifice! Your sins are forgiven, and God looks at you with love and grace. Instead of wrath, we experience healing and restoration. God is making all things new, including you!

So what is the difference between the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament? There is no difference in God; the change comes through Jesus and the sacrifice he made for you and me.

Reflection:

  • How do you understand God’s wrath?
  • John the Baptist challenged religious leaders who believed their status or knowledge was enough. In what ways might you be tempted to rely on outward religion, past faithfulness, or good intentions instead of daily trust in Christ’s saving work?
  • Knowing that God now looks at you through the sacrifice of Jesus with love and grace rather than condemnation, how does this reality change the way you live, treat others, or face areas of brokenness in your life?